If you’re not around to catch The Specials live, check out their late 2012 release, More…Or Less. The Specials Live. They’re a band that is at their best when experienced in person, but the album should capture some of the magic of seeing them in concert. Despite a few changes to the line-up (perhaps what the “More…Or Less” album title alludes to), the band seems to be swinging in full form, with an energy on stage that harkens back to their 80s beginnings of shaking things up both musically and politically.

The Specials Tour 2013

Ska is dead! Or is it? The Specials don’t seem to think so. The ska revivalist band has just confirmed that they’ll play two dates at the SXSW Festival on March 13 and 15, as part of their spring tour. No other dates have been announced yet, but they will allegedly be kicking off the shows in Chicago, IL. Other likely stops include Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Vancouver. Due to health reasons, vocalist Neville Staple will not be joining the band on the road.

The Specials got their start back in 1977, in Coventry, England. Their musical style is a blend of punk rock and ska, and their mod-style clothing harkens back to the ’60s “rude boy” period. The musical themes of the band took a more political and social stance than much of the ska around at that time, and The Specials‘ founder, Jerry Dammers, initially dissolved the band to pursue political activism. After on-again-off-again break-ups, The Specials have been back in the game since 2008. Here’s to a few more good years!